WallStSmart

Linde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)vsSherwin-Williams Co (SHW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 44% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $23.57B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 10.9%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. LIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

LIN

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49

SHW

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-391.7%)

Margin of Safety

-391.7%

Fair Value

$99.28

Current Price

$488.15

$388.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $99.28Overvalued
SHWSignificantly Overvalued (-226.9%)

Margin of Safety

-226.9%

Fair Value

$92.84

Current Price

$303.53

$210.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $92.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LIN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$226.21B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
28.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.57B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

SHW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
59.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
140.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 140.0% YoY

Market CapQuality
$76.90B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.294/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
33.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.4%2/10

Earnings declined 9.4%

SHW3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
30.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
16.3x4/10

Trading at 16.3x book value

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LIN

The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.

Bull Case : SHW

The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Market Cap.

Bear Case : LIN

The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : SHW

The primary concerns for SHW are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LIN profiles as a mature stock while SHW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

SHW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

LIN is growing revenue faster at 5.8% — sustainability is the question.

LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LIN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Linde plc Ordinary Shares

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.

Visit Website →

Sherwin-Williams Co

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Sherwin Williams Company is a Cleveland, Ohio based company in the paint and coating manufacturing industry. The company primarily engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, floorcoverings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers primarily in North and South America and Europe.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?